Physiotherapist/Occupational Therapist
The occupational therapist and the physical therapist formulate management strategies that enable people with ALS to continue to carry out work and leisure activities in a safe and efficient manner. This is accomplished through the following:
- teaching
- ongoing assessment/evaluation
- ordering appropriate equipment in a timely manner
- prevention of complications
- utilization of community resources
- provision of psychological support
The occupational therapist is generally more concerned with fine-motor control and the application of movement to function.
The OT’s tasks may include the following:
- assessing fine-motor functional abilities (ex-hand use)
- evaluating positioning and seating requirements
- assisting in choosing and accessing suitable augmentative mobility and communication strategies and any required assisted devices
- giving instruction concerning exercise, positioning, correct body mechanics for lifting and transferring, and use of assistive deices (to the diagnosed person, family members, and caregiver/attendant)
- teaching energy conservation and time management techniques
- making a home assessment
The physical therapist is generally more concerned with gross-motor function and anatomical impairments associated with abnormal movement (pathokinesiology). The PT’s tasks may include the following:
- providing a detailed analysis of abnormal movement (ex-gait analysis)
- devising ways of optimizing ambulation
- optimizing the person’s strength, function and comfort
- designing and monitoring a therapeutic exercise regimen when appropriate
- assisting with respiratory management
- providing training in energy conservation and time management techniques
- preventing needless purchases of unsuitable equipment
- making a home assessment